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Introduction To Problem Solving - Docx2

Notes of programming 1st semester

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views25 pages

Introduction To Problem Solving - Docx2

Notes of programming 1st semester

Uploaded by

zohaibkhaned
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

 Introduction to problem solving, a brief review of Von-Neumann

architecture, introduction to programming, role of compiler and


linker, introduction to algorithms

Introduction to Problem Solving:

Problem-solving is a fundamental skill in computer science and programming. It involves the process of
analyzing a problem, devising a plan to solve it, and implementing that plan using appropriate
techniques and tools. Problem-solving often requires breaking down complex problems into smaller,
more manageable components and applying algorithms and data structures to find efficient solutions.

Brief Review of Von Neumann Architecture:

The Von Neumann architecture, proposed by John von Neumann in the 1940s, is a conceptual
framework for the design of digital computers. It consists of four main components:

1. **Central Processing Unit (CPU)**: Executes instructions fetched from memory and performs
arithmetic and logical operations.

2. **Memory (RAM)**: Stores data and instructions that are currently being processed by the CPU.
Both program instructions and data are stored in memory.

3. **Input/Output (I/O)**: Facilitates communication between the computer and external devices, such
as keyboards, monitors, and storage devices.

4. **Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)**: The control unit coordinates the operation of the
CPU and controls the flow of data between the CPU and memory. The ALU performs arithmetic and
logical operations on data.

Introduction to Programming:

Programming is the process of writing instructions (code) that a computer can execute to perform
specific tasks or solve problems. It involves using programming languages to express algorithms and
logic in a way that the computer can understand. Programming languages provide a set of syntax and
semantics for writing code, and programmers use various tools and environments to develop and debug
their programs.

Page 1 of 25
Role of Compiler and Linker:

A compiler is a software tool that translates source code written in a high-level programming language
into machine code (binary code) that can be executed by a computer's CPU. It performs several tasks,
including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, optimization, and code generation. The compiler produces an
executable file or object files containing machine code.

A linker is another tool that takes one or more object files produced by the compiler and combines them
into a single executable program. It resolves external references, such as function calls and variable
declarations, and generates the final executable file that can be run on a computer. The linker also
incorporates libraries and other resources needed by the program.

Introduction to Algorithms:

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a problem or performing a specific
task. It defines a sequence of operations to be performed in order to achieve a desired outcome.
Algorithms are fundamental to computer science and programming and are used to solve a wide range
of problems, from simple arithmetic calculations to complex data analysis and optimization tasks.
Designing efficient algorithms is crucial for developing fast and scalable software applications.
Algorithms can be expressed in various ways, including pseudocode, flowcharts, and programming
languages. They are analyzed and evaluated based on factors such as correctness, efficiency, and
scalability.

 Loop(For loop, while loop, do-while loop, nested loop)

Loops are control structures in programming that allow you to execute a block of code repeatedly as
long as a certain condition is true. In C++, there are several types of loops, including `for` loop, `while`
loop, `do-while` loop, and nested loops. Let's discuss each of them:

1. **For Loop**:

- The `for` loop is used when you know in advance how many times you want to execute a block of
code.

- It consists of three parts: initialization, condition, and increment/decrement.

- The loop iterates over a range of values specified by the initialization, condition, and
increment/decrement expressions.

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Syntax:

```cpp

for (initialization; condition; increment/decrement) {

// Block of code to be executed repeatedly

```

Example:

```cpp

for (int i = 0; i < 5; ++i) {

std::cout << "Iteration: " << i << std::endl;

```

2. **While Loop**:

- The `while` loop is used when you want to execute a block of code repeatedly as long as a condition
is true.

- It evaluates the condition before executing the block of code.

Syntax:

```cpp

while (condition) {

// Block of code to be executed repeatedly

```

Example:

```cpp

int i = 0;

while (i < 5) {

std::cout << "Iteration: " << i << std::endl;

++i;

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3. **Do-While Loop**:

- The `do-while` loop is similar to the `while` loop, but it evaluates the condition after executing the
block of code, ensuring that the block of code is executed at least once.

- It is useful when you want to perform an action at least once and then repeat it based on a condition.

Syntax:

```cpp

do {

// Block of code to be executed repeatedly

} while (condition);

```

Example:

```cpp

int i = 0;

do {

std::cout << "Iteration: " << i << std::endl;

++i;

} while (i < 5);

```

4. **Nested Loops**:

- Nested loops are loops inside another loop.

- They are used when you need to repeat a block of code within another loop.

- Each iteration of the outer loop triggers the inner loop to run completely.

Example:

```cpp

for (int i = 0; i < 3; ++i) {

for (int j = 0; j < 3; ++j) {

std::cout << "i: " << i << ", j: " << j << std::endl;

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}

This will produce a grid of 9 iterations, where `i` iterates from 0 to 2 and for each iteration of `i`, `j`
iterates from 0 to 2.

Loops are powerful constructs in programming that allow you to automate repetitive tasks and iterate
over data structures. Understanding the different types of loops and when to use them is essential for
efficient and effective programming.

 One dimensional array , definition, declaration, uses,


initialization, size, indexing, syntax

Certainly! Let's delve into one-dimensional arrays in C++:

### Definition:

An array is a collection of elements of the same data type that are stored in contiguous memory
locations. A one-dimensional array, also known as a linear array, is a collection of elements arranged in a
single row.

### Declaration:

To declare a one-dimensional array in C++, you specify the data type of the elements and the number of
elements in square brackets `[]`.

Syntax:

```cpp

data_type array_name[array_size];

```

Example:

```cpp

int numbers[5]; // Declares an array named 'numbers' with 5 integer elements

```

### Uses:

One-dimensional arrays are used to store and manipulate collections of data in programming. They are
commonly used to represent lists, sequences, or series of elements.

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### Initialization:

Arrays can be initialized with values at the time of declaration or later using a separate initialization
statement.

Syntax (at declaration):

```cpp

data_type array_name[array_size] = {value1, value2, ..., valueN};

```

Example:

```cpp

int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}; // Initializes 'numbers' array with values

```

### Size:

The size of an array is the total number of elements it can hold. It is specified at the time of declaration
and cannot be changed during program execution.

### Indexing:

Elements in an array are accessed using an index (position) within square brackets `[]`. Array indexing in
C++ is zero-based, meaning the first element of the array has an index of 0, the second element has an
index of 1, and so on.

Syntax:

```cpp

array_name[index];

```

Example:

```cpp

int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

int first_element = numbers[0]; // Accesses the first element of 'numbers' array

```

### Syntax:

Here's the syntax for defining, declaring, and using a one-dimensional array in C++:

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Definition:

```cpp

data_type array_name[array_size];

```

Declaration:

```cpp

data_type array_name[array_size];

```

Initialization:

```cpp

data_type array_name[array_size] = {value1, value2, ..., valueN};

```

Accessing elements:

```cpp

array_name[index];

```

Example:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

int main() {

int numbers[5] = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5};

std::cout << "First element: " << numbers[0] << std::endl;

return 0;

```

This covers the basics of one-dimensional arrays in C++. They are versatile data structures widely used in
programming for storing and manipulating collections of elements efficiently.

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 Two dimensional array , definition, declaration, uses,
initialization, size, indexing, syntax

A two-dimensional array, also known as a matrix or a 2D array, is a collection of elements arranged in


rows and columns. Each element in a 2D array is identified by its row index and column index. Let's
explore its definition, declaration, uses, initialization, size, indexing, and syntax in C++:

### Definition:

A two-dimensional array is a collection of elements organized in a two-dimensional grid, where each


element is identified by its row and column indices.

### Declaration:

To declare a two-dimensional array in C++, you specify the data type of the elements and the number of
rows and columns in square brackets `[][]`.

Syntax:

```cpp

data_type array_name[row_size][column_size];

```

Example:

```cpp

int matrix[3][3]; // Declares a 3x3 matrix of integers

```

### Uses:

Two-dimensional arrays are commonly used to represent grids, tables, matrices, and other two-
dimensional data structures in programming. They are useful for storing and manipulating data in rows
and columns.

### Initialization:

Two-dimensional arrays can be initialized with values at the time of declaration or later using nested
initialization.

Syntax (at declaration):

```cpp

data_type array_name[row_size][column_size] = {{value11, value12, ...}, {value21, value22, ...}, ...};

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Example:

```cpp

int matrix[3][3] = {{1, 2, 3}, {4, 5, 6}, {7, 8, 9}}; // Initializes a 3x3 matrix with values

```

### Size:

The size of a two-dimensional array is specified by the number of rows and columns it contains. It is
determined at the time of declaration and cannot be changed during program execution.

### Indexing:

Elements in a two-dimensional array are accessed using row and column indices within square brackets
`[][]`. Array indexing in C++ is zero-based, meaning the first row and column have indices of 0.

Syntax:

```cpp

array_name[row_index][column_index];

```

Example:

```cpp

int matrix[3][3] = {{1, 2, 3}, {4, 5, 6}, {7, 8, 9}};

int element = matrix[1][2]; // Accesses the element at row 1, column 2 (value 6)

```

### Syntax:

Here's the syntax for defining, declaring, and using a two-dimensional array in C++:

Definition:

```cpp

data_type array_name[row_size][column_size];

```

Declaration:

```cpp

data_type array_name[row_size][column_size];

```

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Initialization:

```cpp

data_type array_name[row_size][column_size] = {{value11, value12, ...}, {value21, value22, ...}, ...};

```

Accessing elements:

```cpp

array_name[row_index][column_index];

```

Example:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

int main() {

int matrix[3][3] = {{1, 2, 3}, {4, 5, 6}, {7, 8, 9}};

std::cout << "Element at row 1, column 2: " << matrix[1][2] << std::endl;

return 0;

```

This covers the basics of two-dimensional arrays in C++. They are powerful data structures used for
representing and manipulating two-dimensional data efficiently in programming.

 Function introduction, uses , advantages

Functions are self-contained blocks of code that perform a specific task and can be called from other
parts of a program. They allow you to organize code into logical units, making it easier to understand,
maintain, and reuse. Here's an introduction to functions, their uses, and advantages:

### Introduction:

In programming, a function is a named block of code that performs a specific task. Functions typically
take input, perform some operations, and optionally return a result. They are fundamental building
blocks of modular programming and are used to break down complex problems into smaller, more
manageable parts.

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### Uses:

Functions are used in various scenarios in programming, including:

1. **Code Reusability**: Functions allow you to write code once and reuse it multiple times in different
parts of a program. This reduces code duplication and makes maintenance easier.

2. **Modularity**: Functions help break down a program into smaller, more manageable modules,
each responsible for a specific task. This makes the code easier to understand and maintain.

3. **Abstraction**: Functions provide a way to abstract away implementation details and focus on the
functionality they provide. This improves code readability and reduces complexity.

4. **Encapsulation**: Functions encapsulate a specific functionality, hiding the implementation details


from the caller. This promotes information hiding and improves code maintainability.

5. **Code Organization**: Functions help organize code into logical units, making it easier to navigate,
understand, and debug.

### Advantages:

1. **Code Reusability**: Functions promote code reuse, allowing you to write modular and reusable
code.

2. **Modularity**: Functions break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable units, making
the code easier to understand and maintain.

3. **Abstraction**: Functions provide an abstraction layer, hiding implementation details and focusing
on the functionality they provide.

4. **Encapsulation**: Functions encapsulate functionality, allowing you to hide the implementation


details and expose only the necessary interface.

5. **Improved Readability**: Functions improve code readability by organizing code into logical units
and providing descriptive names for operations.

6. **Easier Debugging**: Functions make debugging easier by isolating errors to specific modules and
providing a clear entry point for troubleshooting.

7. **Scalability**: Functions allow you to scale your codebase by adding new functionality without
affecting existing code, promoting code growth and maintainability.

Overall, functions are essential tools in programming that help improve code organization, readability,
maintainability, and reusability. They play a crucial role in software development, allowing developers to
write efficient, modular, and scalable code.

Page 11 of 25
 Function prototype, function definition, function call

In C++, a function prototype, function definition, and function call are essential components for defining
and using functions within a program. Let's discuss each of them:

### Function Prototype:

A function prototype, also known as a function declaration, declares the function's name, return type,
and parameter list without providing the function body. It tells the compiler about the existence of a
function and its signature, allowing the compiler to correctly handle calls to the function before its
actual definition.

Syntax:

```cpp

return_type function_name(parameter_list);

```

Example:

```cpp

// Function prototype

int add(int a, int b);

```

### Function Definition:

A function definition provides the implementation of the function, including the code that defines what
the function does. It specifies the function's return type, name, parameter list, and function body.

Syntax:

```cpp

return_type function_name(parameter_list) {

// Function body

// Code that performs the desired operation

return return_value; // Optional return statement

```

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Example:

```cpp

// Function definition

int add(int a, int b) {

return a + b;

```

### Function Call:

A function call is an expression that instructs the program to execute a particular function. When a
function is called, the control of the program transfers to the function body, executes the statements
within it, and returns control back to the caller after the function completes its execution.

Syntax:

```cpp

function_name(argument_list);

```

Example:

```cpp

int result = add(10, 20); // Function call to add() function

```

### Putting it all Together:

Here's a complete example demonstrating the use of function prototype, definition, and call:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

// Function prototype

int add(int a, int b);

int main() {

// Function call

int result = add(10, 20);

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// Output the result

std::cout << "Result of addition: " << result << std::endl;

return 0;

// Function definition

int add(int a, int b) {

return a + b;

```

In this example:

- We declare the `add()` function prototype at the beginning of the code.

- We define the `add()` function later in the code, specifying its implementation.

- Finally, we call the `add()` function within the `main()` function to perform addition and store the
result.

 Passing arguments to function

In C++, you can pass arguments to a function to provide input values or data that the function can
operate on. There are two main ways to pass arguments to a function: pass by value and pass by
reference. Let's discuss both methods:

### Pass by Value:

In pass by value, the function receives copies of the values passed as arguments. Changes made to the
parameters inside the function do not affect the original values outside the function.

Syntax:

```cpp

return_type function_name(data_type parameter1, data_type parameter2, ...)```

Page 14 of 25
Example:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

// Function definition

void increment(int num) {

num++;

std::cout << "Inside function: " << num << std::endl;

int main() {

int x = 5;

// Function call

increment(x);

std::cout << "Outside function: " << x << std::endl;

return 0;

```

Output:

```

Inside function: 6

Outside function: 5

```

In this example, the value of `x` remains unchanged outside the `increment()` function, even though it
was modified inside the function.

### Pass by Reference:

In pass by reference, the function receives references to the original variables passed as arguments.
Changes made to the parameters inside the function directly affect the original values outside the
function.

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Syntax:

```cpp

return_type function_name(data_type &parameter1, data_type &parameter2, ...)

```

Example:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

// Function definition

void increment(int &num) {

num++;

std::cout << "Inside function: " << num << std::endl;

int main() {

int x = 5;

// Function call

increment(x);

std::cout << "Outside function: " << x << std::endl;

return 0;

```

Output:

```

Inside function: 6

Outside function: 6

```

In this example, the value of `x` is modified both inside and outside the `increment()` function because it
is passed by reference.

Page 16 of 25
### When to Use Each Method:

- **Pass by Value**: Use pass by value when you want to operate on the value of the variable without
modifying the original variable. It's suitable for small-sized data types or when you want to ensure that
the original variable remains unchanged.

- **Pass by Reference**: Use pass by reference when you want the function to modify the original
variable or when working with large-sized data types to avoid the overhead of copying data. It's suitable
when you need the function to have access to and modify the original variable.

 Returning value from function

In C++, functions can return values using the `return` statement. When a function returns a value, it
provides the result of its computation to the calling code. Here's how you can define and use functions
that return values:

### Function with Return Value:

To define a function that returns a value, specify the return type in the function declaration and
definition.

Syntax:

```cpp

return_type function_name(parameter_list) {

// Function body

// Compute result

return result;

```

Example:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

// Function definition

int add(int a, int b) {

Page 17 of 25
return a + b;

int main() {

// Function call

int result = add(10, 20);

// Output the result

std::cout << "Result of addition: " << result << std::endl;

return 0;

```

Output:

```

Result of addition: 30

```

In this example, the `add()` function returns the result of adding two integers `a` and `b`. The `main()`
function stores the returned value in the `result` variable and prints it to the console.

### Void Functions:

Functions with a return type of `void` do not return any value. They are typically used for performing
actions or tasks without producing a result.

Syntax:

```cpp

void function_name(parameter_list) {

// Function body

// Perform actions

// No return statement

Page 18 of 25
}

```

Example:

```cpp

#include <iostream>

// Function definition

void greet() {

std::cout << "Hello, world!" << std::endl;

int main() {

// Function call

greet();

return 0;

```

Output:

```

Hello, world!

```

In this example, the `greet()` function does not return any value. It simply prints a greeting message to
the console when called from the `main()` function.

### Return Statement:

The `return` statement is used to return a value from a function. It can appear anywhere within the
function body, and it immediately exits the function, returning control to the caller.

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Syntax:

```cpp

return expression;

```

Example:

```cpp

int square(int num) {

return num * num;

```

In this example, the `square()` function returns the square of the input number `num` using the
expression `num * num`.

 Pointers its definition, uses, types, examples), string and string


operations, static and dynamic memory allocation, file I/O
operations

Let's cover each of these topics:

### Pointers:

**Definition:**

A pointer is a variable that stores the memory address of another variable. It allows indirect access to
the value stored at that memory address.

**Uses:**

- Dynamic memory allocation: Pointers are used to allocate and deallocate memory dynamically during
program execution.

- Array manipulation: Pointers can be used to iterate over array elements.

Page 20 of 25
- Function parameter passing: Pointers allow passing variables by reference to functions, enabling
functions to modify the original variable.

- Data structures: Pointers are essential for implementing dynamic data structures like linked lists, trees,
and graphs.

- Memory-mapped hardware: Pointers are used to access memory-mapped hardware devices in


embedded systems programming.

**Types:**

1. Pointer to Data Types: Pointers that store the address of variables of a specific data type, such as
`int*`, `float*`, `char*`, etc.

2. Pointer to Functions: Pointers that store the address of functions, allowing functions to be passed as
arguments or stored in data structures.

3. Void Pointer: A special type of pointer, `void*`, that can point to objects of any data type. It is
commonly used for generic pointer handling and memory manipulation.

4. Null Pointer: A pointer that does not point to any memory location. It is typically represented as
`nullptr` in modern C++.

**Examples:**

```cpp

#include <iostream>

int main() {

int x = 10;

int* ptr = &x; // Pointer to an integer variable

std::cout << "Value of x: " << x << std::endl;

std::cout << "Address of x: " << &x << std::endl;

std::cout << "Value stored in pointer: " << *ptr << std::endl;

std::cout << "Address stored in pointer: " << ptr << std::endl;

return 0;

Page 21 of 25
### Strings and String Operations:

**Definition:**

A string is a sequence of characters stored in contiguous memory. In C++, strings are represented using
the `std::string` class from the Standard Template Library (STL).

**String Operations:**

- Concatenation

- Comparison

- Substring extraction

- Length determination

- Accessing individual characters

**Example:**

```cpp

#include <iostream>

#include <string>

int main() {

std::string str1 = "Hello";

std::string str2 = "world";

std::cout << "Concatenated string: " << str1 + " " + str2 << std::endl;

std::cout << "Length of str1: " << str1.length() << std::endl;

std::cout << "Comparison result: " << str1.compare(str2) << std::endl;

return 0;

```

### Static and Dynamic Memory Allocation:

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**Static Memory Allocation:**

Memory is allocated at compile time. The size of the allocated memory is fixed and determined at
compile time.

**Dynamic Memory Allocation:**

Memory is allocated at runtime. The size of the allocated memory can vary during program execution.
Dynamic memory allocation is done using operators like `new` and `delete` in C++.

**Example (Dynamic Memory Allocation):**

```cpp

#include <iostream>

int main() {

int* ptr = new int; // Dynamically allocate memory for an integer

*ptr = 20; // Assign a value to the dynamically allocated memory

std::cout << "Value stored in dynamically allocated memory: " << *ptr << std::endl;

delete ptr; // Deallocate memory

return 0;

```

### File I/O Operations:

File I/O operations involve reading from and writing to files.

**Types of File I/O Operations:**

1. **Input File Stream (ifstream):** Used for reading data from files.

2. **Output File Stream (ofstream):** Used for writing data to files.

3. **File Stream (fstream):** Supports both input and output operations on files.

Page 23 of 25
**Example (Reading from a File):**

```cpp

#include <iostream>

#include <fstream>

#include <string>

int main() {

std::ifstream inputFile("input.txt");

std::string line;

if (inputFile.is_open()) {

while (getline(inputFile, line)) {

std::cout << line << std::endl;

inputFile.close();

} else {

std::cout << "Unable to open file" << std::endl;

return 0;

```

**Example (Writing to a File):**

```cpp

#include <iostream>

#include <fstream>

int main() {

std::ofstream outputFile("output.txt");

Page 24 of 25
if (outputFile.is_open()) {

outputFile << "Hello, world!" << std::endl;

outputFile.close();

std::cout << "Data written to file successfully" << std::endl;

} else {

std::cout << "Unable to open file" << std::endl;

return 0;

```

These examples cover basic operations related to pointers, strings, dynamic memory allocation, and file
I/O in C++. Each of these topics is fundamental for C++ programming and is extensively used in software
development.

Page 25 of 25

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